Cold stores and packaging lines accumulate dust from cardboard, pallets, ingredients and vehicle traffic. Low temperatures, moisture and frequent door cycles complicate control. A practical filtration strategy balances hygiene, airflow under load and maintainability.

Target sources first

Fit LEV or hoods to carton formers, baggers and transfer points. Enclose dusty steps such as decanting powders and keep drop heights low. Use anti-static measures on film handling to reduce cling. Where floor cutting or drilling is necessary during maintenance, capture at source and schedule during shutdowns with isolation barriers.

Air control that suits cold environments

Use air scrubbers to recirculate and polish air in packing halls; specify HEPA (H14 for fine particulate) when product protection or occupational hygiene demands it. Place units to create a gentle flow from clean to less-clean zones and avoid drafts across weigh scales and labellers. Stage prefilters to handle heavier loading and extend HEPA life; track performance, not just hours, to time changes. During invasive works, run a unit as a negative air machine to keep dust out of production.

Condensation reduces filter life. Keep intakes away from doorways and defrost zones, and allow equipment to equilibrate to room temperature before operation. Rugged, easily cleanable units from suppliers such as MAXVAC are commonly deployed during maintenance windows without disrupting production.

Housekeeping without re-suspension

Use H-class industrial vacuums for floors, racking and overhead services; avoid sweeping or compressed air. Clean high-to-low, then detail around conveyors and weigh heads. Fit tack mats at personnel doors to limit tracking between chilled and ambient areas. Bag and remove waste promptly to prevent re-agitation.

Monitoring and compliance context

Use a simple PM meter to spot-check that filtration is keeping particulate stable during peak runs and after door cycles. HSE lists flour dust with a WEL of 10 mg/m³ (8-hr TWA, inhalable); effective engineering controls help you operate well below such limits.

Practical takeaways

• Capture at conveyors, formers and decant points; keep drops low.
• Recirculate with HEPA; stage prefilters and monitor under load.
• Manage condensation risk and position intakes smartly.
• Vacuum only; clean high-to-low and control tracking.
• Use negative air during invasive works to protect product.

With the right mix of source capture, air scrubbing and disciplined cleaning, cold operations can maintain clear air without sacrificing throughput.